On International Meatless Day, November 25, the Green Hands of Peace Movement turned the streets of NYC into a living, breathing campaign for compassion. From the Meatpacking District to Times Square, many advocates dressed as farm animals waved bright green foam hands inviting passersby to reflect on the impact of going meatless for just one day.
Led by the Sadhu Vaswani Center for World Peace, this campaign inspired New Yorkers to ‘Take the Veg Pledge’. But the campaign was not just about going meatless for a day. It was a rallying cry to save countless animals, reduce carbon emissions, and build a future rooted in compassion and sustainability.
Times Square becomes a beacon of hope
If there’s one place where a message is guaranteed to reach the world, it’s Times Square. On this special day, its iconic skyline lit up with an extraordinary image: a giant billboard featuring Sadhu Vaswani, the spiritual visionary behind the movement, smiling down at the city. The flashing words “Celebrate Meatless Day: Pledge to be Veg” captured the attention of thousands.
For onlookers, the moment was both striking and profound. “New York City is the perfect place to inspire global change,” said Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a key supporter, renowned asthma expert, and publisher. “One day of conscious eating can create a ripple effect that benefits the planet, our health, and our souls.”
Star power fuels the movement
The Green Hands Movement brought together an eclectic mix of voices, from medical experts to celebrities, influencers, and activists. Renowned names like vegan advocate Victoria Moran, psychiatrist Dr. Anna Yusim, and filmmaker Neha Lohia put their energies behind the cause.
Even local businesses joined in, amplifying the message in creative ways. Zillions Pizza, a popular pizzeria, launched a “Veg Pledge Meal,” offering discounts on vegetarian and vegan pizzas for anyone who took the pledge. In Harlem, seafood favorite Lolo’s joined the movement with special plant-based dishes, proving that even die-hard foodies could enjoy a meat-free day.
The campaign’s collaborative spirit extended to platforms like UnChained TV and WhatsCookingTV, both of which celebrated the role of food in uniting and transforming communities.
“This is about more than just one day,” said activist Jamie Logan. “It’s about planting seeds of awareness and showing people that every small step counts.”
Raising green hands, raising hope
Throughout the day, NYC’s streets were alive with color and energy. Thousands of green foam hands waved in unison as volunteers, students, and advocates joined forces to spread the message. NYU students organized vegetarian food drives, distributing free meals to those in need, while volunteers from Sadhu Vaswani Centers worldwide rallied behind the cause.
“People often underestimate the power of a single action,” said Victoria Moran. “One meal, one plate, one day, it all adds up to massive change when we stand together.”
One meal, one plate, one day – it all adds to a massive change when we stand together.
A deeper purpose
The campaign was part of the New Jersey-based Sadhu Vaswani Center’s larger vision for a peaceful and sustainable world. Plans are already underway for a new Peace Garden and a dedicated center to promote teachings of love, coexistence, and harmony.
“Sadhu Vaswani taught us that humans don’t need to dominate or harm others to thrive,” said Neha Lohia, a spokesperson for the campaign. “We have the power to choose compassion, to uplift and heal. This movement proves that together, we can create a kinder world.”
The power of starting small
What made this campaign truly remarkable was its accessibility. It didn’t demand drastic changes or lifelong commitments. Instead, it asked people to start small, just one day without meat.
Dr. Eva Selhub, another advocate for the movement, captured this sentiment perfectly: “One day becomes one week, one week becomes a lifestyle. It’s not just about saving animals – it’s about saving ourselves.”
For more details or to get involved, visit www.sadhuvaswanicenter.com.
